CPU Performance – Principal Microarchitecture Exploration Engineer

About Arm

Arm is the industry's leading supplier of microprocessor technology, offering the widest range of microprocessor cores to address the performance, power, and cost requirements for almost all application markets. With a vibrant ecosystem of over 1,000 partners and more than 150 billion processors shipped, our technology is at the heart of a computing and connectivity revolution that continues to transform the way people live and businesses operate.

Austin, TX or Raleigh, NC

We are seeking a CPU Microarchitect to join our CPU Performance team in Austin or Raleigh. In this role, you will focus on defining the microarchitecture for Arm’s next‑generation Cortex‑X and Neoverse CPUs
. You will drive innovations in CPU design by developing performance models, analyzing workloads, and shaping the architecture that will power billions of devices. This position provides the opportunity to work across architecture, design, and performance analysis, while influencing both Arm’s internal design direction and partner engagement.

• Architecture Definition & Innovation
  • Define and design next-generation CPU microarchitectures with industry‑leading performance, power, and area efficiency.
  • Propose and evaluate microarchitectural innovations using cycle‑accurate and functional simulators.
  • Estimate impacts on performance, power, and area to guide design trade‑offs.
• Performance Analysis
  • Develop and refine performance models to evaluate new microarchitectural ideas.
  • Analyze workloads and identify sensitivities to guide design choices.
  • Correlate simulation and performance results to ensure accuracy of models.
• Collaboration & Influence
  • Partner with CPU design teams to integrate architectural innovations into real designs.
  • Engage with ecosystem partners to understand future performance requirements and workload expectations.
  • Present and communicate complex technical concepts clearly across diverse audiences.
• Mentorship & Leadership
  • Provide technical mentorship to less‑experienced engineers in microarchitecture and performance analysis.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of team methodologies, tools, and workflows.

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in CPU/system microarchitecture development, performance modeling, or microarchitectural workload analysis.
• Proven expertise in high‑performance CPU microarchitecture.
• Deep understanding of performance, power, and area trade‑offs.
• Hands‑on experience with cycle‑accurate simulators and performance modeling infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to debug and reason across complex systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Demonstrated track record of successful microarchitectural innovation from concept through implementation.
• Familiarity with advanced software engineering practices, performance profiling, and programming in multiple languages (C++, Python, etc.).
• Experience interacting directly with customers or partners to gather requirements and present findings.
• Passion for continuous learning and driving improvements in methodology and tools.

At Arm, we want to build extraordinary teams. If you need an adjustment or an accommodation during the recruitment process, please email  By sending us the requested information, you consent to its use by Arm to arrange for appropriate accommodations. All accommodation or adjustment requests will be treated with confidentiality, and information concerning these requests will only be disclosed as necessary.

Arm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal opportunities are available to all applicants and colleagues. We are a diverse organization of dedicated and innovative individuals, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Arm’s hybrid approach to working is centred around flexibility. We empower groups and teams to determine their own particular hybrid working pattern depending on the work and the team’s needs. Details of what this means for each role will be shared upon application. In some cases, flexibility may be limited by local legal, regulatory, tax, or other considerations, but we will collaborate with you to find the best solution.

$241,100–$326,100 per year